The family of one of the victims of the Greenvale Hotel tragedy have raised funds to help build two classrooms at a primary school in Tanzania.
Lauren Bullock from Donaghmore tragically died aged just 17 in the crush at a St Patrick’s Day disco three years ago in Cookstown .
Now her family have worked with the Children in Crossfire charity to help build the classrooms in the Dodoma region of the African country.
Read more: Two arrested in Dungannon after 'baby found in town centre'
Lauren’s mum Mary said her daughter had spoken of her admiration for the charity during a visit to her school, St Patrick’s College Dungannon.
“Lauren cared very deeply about children. She had told us about hearing Richard Moore speak at school and being very impressed with the work Children in Crossfire does,” Mary said.
“Sadly, she will never be able to fulfil her dream of becoming a social worker and making life better for vulnerable children here.
“However, these new classrooms built in her memory will do exactly that for children growing up in disadvantage in Tanzania.
“As we mark her third anniversary, we take inspiration from her beautiful life and wonderful legacy."
Mary added that the family were proud that Lauren’s name will be known to under privileged children on the other side of the world.
She added: “We are so pleased that Lauren’s name will be known to children on the other side of the world.
“While they may never fully know who she was, they will understand and appreciate what she left behind and the positive difference it has made for them.
“That fills us with pride in our wonderful Lauren.”
Richard Moore from Children in Crossfire said he was privileged that Lauren’s family chose to work with the charity to help build the classrooms.
“It has been a wonderful honour for me to get to know the Bullock family,” Richard said.
“I feel privileged that they chose to support Children in Crossfire in Lauren’s precious memory.
“While I am delighted that two new classrooms have now been built in Tanzania because of funds they raised for us, it goes without saying that I deeply wish this project might have come about in very different circumstances.
“It is a remarkable tribute to Lauren that the Mapinduzi community reacted to her story by mobilising enough additional resources to complete a second classroom at their school in her memory.
“Thanks to Lauren’s family and friends, thousands of children will get a better education over many years to come.
“Something positive has emerged out of Lauren’s tragic loss; and I hope Mary, Martin, Ryan and Shane will take comfort in knowing that this will always be a part of her legacy.”
Read more: Co Tyrone sees return of St Patrick’s Day celebrations - in pictures
Read more: Man hospitalised after 'pair armed with hurling stick, knife and hatchet break into home'
For the latest breaking Co Tyrone news straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter here.
